Musicians often mellow with age, but for Big Flame – who made the most scratchily agitated sounds in the NME’s C86 scene – a lot of softening would be required to become a radio-friendly alt.pop act.
And yet, Alan Brown has managed to smooth off the rough edges of his previous band and add in some serious, well-produced pop songwriting in this 13 track release.
Strident indiepop jangle that’s strong on melodies and clever production, this will appeal to fans of everyone from the Manics to Arctic Monkeys, and shows that there’s plenty of life left in an industry veteran ready to emerge from the underground.
‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’ is out now. This article originally appeared in the Blackpool Gazette.